Lena Saltzman

GUEYDAN — Lena Mae Duhon Saltzman, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend to many, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family at 3:30 AM on Thursday, June 3, 2021. She was 88.
Lena is survived by her husband of 71 years, Kerney Paul Saltzman of Gueydan, LA; two children, Russell Saltzman (Tam) of Gueydan, LA, and Charlene Saltzman Jannise (Michael) of Youngsville, LA; seven grandchildren, Ryan Jannise of Great Falls, VA, Shanna Jannise Miller (Jeffrey) of Lafayette, LA, Michael Jannise, Jr. of Lafayette, LA, Adrienne Jannise Mejias (Jason) of Youngsville, LA, Katherine Saltzman of New Orleans, LA, Russell Saltzman of New Orleans, LA, and James Saltzman of Houston, TX; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rose Duhon Vincent (Dallas) of Lafayette, LA. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Elezia and Erene Duhon of Lafayette, LA, two great-grandchildren, Emma Mejias and Anna Mejias, two brothers Alex Duhon of Lafayette, LA, and Emery Duhon of Baton Rouge, LA, and two sisters Eula Duhon of Lafayette, LA and Lorraine Duhon Istre of Lafayette, LA.
On January 10, 1933, Lena was born in Cow Island, LA, to Elezia and Erene Duhon. She attended E. Broussard school in Cow Island, LA. On March 2, 1950, she married Kerney Paul Saltzman of Gueydan, LA. Lena and Kerney were rice farmers until they retired from farming in 1990. Lena began her second career when she founded Lena’s Cajun Seafood Dishes, Inc. on March 15, 1990. Lena’s Cajun Seafood continues to grow, and is owned and operated by three grandchildren, Ryan Jannise, Shanna Miller, and Michael Jannise, Jr. Patrons have enjoyed her cuisine at southern Louisiana festivals. For many years, the CODOFIL tours included lunch at Lena and Kerney’s home.
In addition to her business success, Lena and Kerney were active members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. They traveled across the United States with their close friends and celebrated their 40th year of membership in January 2021 on a trip to Biloxi. The Airstream Club and their many friends were an essential part of her life. Until her business consumed all of her time, she was an avid gardener and enjoyed oil painting.
For those who knew Lena, nothing was more apparent than the fact that her family and friends meant the world to her. She was never happier in life than when surrounded by these people. Until her death, she expressed selfless care and concern for her family and friends above herself.
Matthews and Son Funeral Home at 514 Second Street in Gueydan, LA, are managing services. Visitation will be on June 6th from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Lena’s daughter, Charlene, will lead the Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on June 7th from 9:00 AM until 1:30 PM. A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 2:30 PM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 602 Church Ave, Kaplan, LA. Father Gilbert Dutel will preside. Interment will follow Mass at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Kaplan.
Pallbearers are Ryan Jannise, Michael Jannise, Jr., James Saltzman, Gerald Duhon, Jeffrey Miller, Curt Fontenot, and Peter Pollak. Honorary pallbearers are Kerney Saltzman, Russell Saltzman, Matthew Mejias, Ace Parson, Brennan Miller, Dallas Vincent, Kenneth Touchet, Chad Gardemal, Joey Gardemal, Matthew Gardemal, and Isaac Kestler.
Special thanks to Whitney Credeur, Sheena Domingue, and Hospice of Acadiana for their warm care with dedicated support. And most importantly, our most profound appreciation to Candace Istre and Judy Badon, both of Gueydan, for their tremendous love and care for Lena, Kerney, and our family in our time of sadness and need. You have been a blessing to us.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.